Rittewada Petchyindee Academy knows just how big of an opportunity he has in his ONE Championship debut against one of the best fighters in Muay Thai.
Rittewada takes on #1-ranked contender Saemapetch Fairtex in the main event of the previously recorded ONE: NEXTGEN II, which airs this Friday, November 12, from the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
“I think it’s the dream of every boxer to get into a world-class organization like ONE Championship,” Rittewada told ONEFC.com ahead of his first bout in ONE Super Series (OSS).
“I want to show my talent. I want to show my skills. ONE has all great fighters, and I want to prove myself there to the world.”
Welcoming him to the organization is Saemapetch – one of the most established stars in the bantamweight Muay Thai division – and the Fairtex representative has been determined to get another crack at ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao.
Saemapetch was dislodged by his compatriot in their 2019 matchup, losing via stoppage in the fourth round. But he’s now back on track after knocking out #3-ranked “Left Meteorite” Kulabdam Sor. Jor. Piek Uthai and beating #2-ranked Rodlek PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym by decision.
Considering this, Rittewada will have a challenging debut, but that’s exactly how he likes it.
“Saemapetch is strong and has heavy strikes. His scariest weapon is his punch – he punches hard and fast,” Rittewada said.
“I need to figure out [his weaknesses] in the Circle, but I think I have studied his style well enough. What I can use to defeat him are my timing, speed, and footwork. And I’ll use my kicks.”
With his eyes on OSS supremacy, Rittewada has prepared hard for this clash, knowing what a win would do for his new career in ONE Championship.
“This fight is life-changing, and I’ll try my best to defeat Saemapetch. I want to finish it with a knockout and make it entertaining for the audience,” he said.
“If I could defeat him, I think I’d get an opportunity for a World Championship fight with Nong-O. I’d be so glad.”
Catch ONE: NEXTGEN II on One Sports or One Sports+ at 8:30 p.m. Philippine Standard Time (PHT) on Friday, November 12.
It will air simultaneously on the ONE Super App and ONE’s YouTube channel.
